In a created universe, the Creator is the ultimate owner of all assets. Humans are, therefore, simply stewards of his assets. Accordingly, humans should utilize his resources according to his will and ways including how humans use money.

From my study of Scripture, I have observed five basic uses of money: tithing, giving, saving and investing, taxes, and personal expenses.

Tithing is the acknowledgment of God as our provider. He gives us the capacity, favor, and opportunity to materially support ourselves. Without this grace, no one would be able to survive. Therefore, each human should always reflect the grateful dependent heart of a servant by giving back to the Lord as Abram did.

And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (Genesis 14:20 ESV)

Giving is different from tithing; giving refers to seeking a spiritual return on investment that does not directly benefit you. For example, paying for training to help facilitate spiritual transformation in other people as the Corinthians supported the apostle Paul to train others.

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV)

Saving and investing is faithfully stewarding assets seeking a financial return. God expects us to use what he entrusts to us to produce a finanical profit and have reserves in the event of unexpected events. Therefore, a wise person will accumulate resources through prudent saving and investing.

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. (Proverbs 21:20 ESV)

Taxes are nearly ubiquitously disdained; nevertheless, they serve a divine purpose—supporting the public servants called to help cities, states, and nations align with the will and ways of God. Sadly, not all public servants serve well. Nevertheless, paying taxes is still our responsibility.

For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. (Romans 13:6 ESV)

Personal expenses must be the lowest priority because if it isn’t, then many—if not most of us—would put personal expenses ahead of the other uses and consequently not properly allocate resources to the other categories. A humble servant prioritizes the other categoires ahead of personal expenses, but is also financially responsible to provide for his or her family.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8 ESV)

The proper stewardship of personal resources is an important clue to the effectiveness of a person in the workplace. The stewardship of resources reveals a person’s heart. And out of that same heart, a person makes workplace decisions. A person who doesn’t think biblically about financial resources will not think biblically in other areas, and a person who misuses personal resources will misuse organizational resources.

Here is your business tip. When managing people always consider how workers steward financial resources. This is a clue as to how well they are aligned with the will and ways of God. If financial matters are out of order, this reflects a life that is out of order. Use credit reports and the appropriateness of each worker’s standard of living as tools to gain insight into each worker’s heart. Seek to remediate workers who do not reflect wise stewardship. If they cannot be remediated, then release them. And don’t hire or promote someone who reflects poor stewardship practices.